The violin has been one of the most loved instruments since the seventeenth century. Great violinists have captivated audiences all around the world with their technical dexterity, heart-touching musicality, and great charisma. But who are the most treasured performers of this popular instrument? Here's a journey through time to know more about these virtuosi. Today, we will look at one who is, perhaps, the most iconic of them all: Nicolo Paganini Niccolò Paganini (October 27, 1782 – May 27, 1840) was an Italian violinist, violist, guitarist, and composer. He was the most …
Want to join an orchestra? The cello is the perfect orchestral instrument.
Cellos are part of the standard symphony orchestra, which usually includes eight to twelve cello players. The cello section, in standard orchestral seating, is located on stage left (the audience's right) in the front, opposite the first violin section. However, some orchestras and conductors prefer switching the positioning of the viola and cello sections. The principal cellist is the section leader, determining bowings for the section in conjunction with other string principals, playing solos and leading entrances (when the section begins to play its part). Principal players always sit …
Want to play the violin? Here’s a bit of history on this wonderful instrument.
The violin, viola, and cello were first made in the early 16th century, in Italy. The earliest evidence for their existence is in paintings by Gaudenzio Ferrari from the 1530s, though Ferrari's instruments had only three strings. The Academie musicale, a treatise written in 1556 by Philibert Jambe de Fer, gives a clear description of the violin family much as we know it today. Violins are likely to have been developed from a number of other string instruments of the 15th and 16th centuries, including the vielle, rebec, and lira da braccio. The history of bowed string instruments in Europe …